United States President Donald Trump has paused US military aid to Ukraine following a heated Oval Office argument with President Volodymyr Zelensky.
Zelensky responded by expressing willingness to work under Trump’s leadership to achieve lasting peace and improve strained relations.
In his first remarks since the aid suspension, Zelensky called for a truce in sea and air operations as a first step.
He also pledged to sign a key minerals agreement with Washington while emphasizing Ukraine’s commitment to securing peace efforts.
“Our meeting at the White House on Friday did not go as planned. It’s time to make things right,” he posted.
Trump’s decision followed meetings with top US national security officials, conditioning aid on Ukraine’s commitment to peace talks.
A White House official stated that aid would remain suspended until Zelensky formally commits to negotiations with Moscow.
“The president is focused on peace, and we need partners committed to that goal before resuming assistance,” the official said.
The move has sparked concerns in Kyiv and European capitals, fearing a US pivot away from allies and closer to Moscow.
The Kremlin welcomed Trump’s decision, with spokesman Dmitry Peskov stating it could pressure Ukraine into peace negotiations.
“If the US stops military supplies, it would be the best contribution to peace,” Peskov added in a statement.
The European Union, excluded from US-Russia talks, is rushing to bolster Ukraine’s defense against growing security threats.
EU Commission Chief Ursula von der Leyen unveiled an €800 billion plan to strengthen Europe’s defense and support Ukraine.
The urgency increased after Trump warned Zelensky’s government might not survive without a ceasefire agreement with Moscow.
